18 The Bulletin. 



more, at which subjects of a dual and general interest are discussed. 

 It is ajDparent that many subjects which belong properly to the 

 Farmers' Institute field are of equal interest to the two sexes, and 

 that instruction in dairying, fruit and vegetable gardening, and the 

 general improvement of the farm home, are of equal value to all. 

 Therefore, it has been the usual practice to have such subjects dis- 

 cussed in the joint meetings, the time being divided about equally 

 between men and women lecturers. 



NIGHT SESSIONS. 



For the first time in the institute work in this State a night ses- 

 sion was held at about twenty institutes. On the whole the experi- 

 ment proved a success, and in the future this feature will be added 

 to all institutes when practicable. 



This night session consisted of a lecture by Dr. F. L. Stevens, of 

 the A. and M. College, on the Value of an Agricultural Education, 

 and was illustrated with about 100 lantern slides, showing recent 

 advances in agricultural practice and the value of science to agricul- 

 ture. The object of this night session is to offer entertainment that 

 will carry with it information of value and furnish inspiration and a 

 desire for greater agriculturail knowledge. 



THE STATE AUDUBON SOCIETY. 



The institute management and the farmers of the State are in- 

 debted to the State Audubon Society for a valuable addition to a 

 number of institutes held during the past summer. Through the 

 courtesy and liberality of the Society and its Secretary, Prof. T. Gil- 

 bert Pearson, Miss Mary Taylor Moore attended some twenty-five 

 institutes and delivered an interesting and instructive lecture on the 

 Relation of Birds to Agriculture, which was always a feature of the 

 joint sessions where delivered. 



SPECIAL INSTITUTES. 



During the past year a special apple growers' institute was held 

 in the Brushy Mountain section of Wilkes and Alexander Counties. 

 Several representatives of the Department of Agriculture attended 

 this institute, and a local apple growers' association was organized, 

 and two quarterly meetings have since been held, to which the De- 

 partment sent speakers. 



A similar institute was held at Mt. Airy, in Surry County, and 

 one quarterly meeting has since been held by the local organization 

 formed. At both of these meetings the Department has also had rep- 

 resentatives. 



It is the desire of the Department to encourage the organization 

 of such local clubs or institutes for the study of special crops or 



